Less than a week after the killing of five residents in Udeku community of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, suspected militia members have again launched a deadly attack, killing two security operatives attached to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
The victims were members of a joint security patrol team and included an officer of the Nigerian Air Force and a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), both deployed to restore calm in the volatile area.
Local sources disclosed that the operatives were riding a motorcycle back from Adikpo town when they were intercepted by armed assailants, who opened fire at close range and killed two of them instantly.
“They went to Adikpo and were on their way back when the gunmen ambushed them and opened fire,” a resident, who pleaded anonymity, said.
A community leader from Jato Aka, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, while corroborating the incident, said the attack took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, around 4:26 pm at Turan area of Kwande LGA.
He explained that the officers were originally stationed at Anwase and had travelled to Aga Market to refill a gas cylinder before they were attacked at Udeku, the same spot where five persons were murdered a few days earlier.
Akerigba further alleged that the attackers moved in large numbers, freely mounting roadblocks, setting houses ablaze, and destroying farmlands and economic crops without any resistance.
Expressing concern over the worsening security situation, he said residents of Jato Aka, which comprises five council wards, are now living in constant fear.
“Our people are exposed to danger. Jato Aka has been taken over. People are already packing out, and many do not even know where to go,” he said.
As at the time this report was filed, Operation Whirl Stroke had yet to issue an official statement, although a military source confirmed that the attack occurred.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Michael Ejelikwu, also confirmed the incident, stating that three OPWS operatives were attacked at about 3:00 pm, resulting in the death of two personnel.
According to him, the attack happened at Udeku, Maav-Ya, Mbakyor Council Ward of Kwande LGA.
He identified the slain NSCDC officer as CCA Tijani Idris (S/No. 76691) of the Kaduna State Command, who was serving with the OPWS Joint Task Force.
Describing the killing as “unfortunate and a hazard of the calling,” Ejelikwu said the NSCDC remains determined and committed to combating insecurity in all its forms across Nigeria.
Gunmen kill two OPWS security operatives in fresh Benue attack
Source: Gunmen kill two OPWS security operatives in fresh Benue attack
